Cons

The Zona Hotelera lacks authentic Mexican culture

All-inclusive deals attract the occasional group of hard partiers

Bottom Line

There is nothing ordinary about the 260-room Le Blanc Spa Resort: Everything from the wine lists to your workout has been tailored to be top notch. It feels more South Beach chic than Cancun party, with a hip, gorgeous aesthetic throughout the entire pristine white property. The rooms are thoroughly modern and bright with minimalist decor and stunning ocean views (some with large Jacuzzi baths). But most of your time should be spent experiencing the top-of-the line spa, the chic restaurants (especially the stunningly designed Lumiere), and heavenly white-sand beach.

Oyster Hotel Review

Location

Le Blanc Spa Resort is located in the heart of the Hotel Zone, a 25-minute drive to the airport. It is a great spot for those who want a beautiful, half-empty beach -- restaurants (aside from US chains like Chili's and Outback Steakhouse), shops and the tourist-oriented Cancun nightlife are a quick drive to the north. Ciudad Cancun, where locals live and play, is an 18-minute drive away, so be ready to take a taxi or the bus every time you plan to visit this area.

The Zona Hotelera (or Hotel Zone) is the mega-resort, mega-mall area in La Isla Cancun that caters to mass tourism. The nightlife is one of its main draws, as are its shops and restaurants -- but there's little of Cancun's original flavor here. To get a hint of what that is, you'll have to take a cab to Ciudad Cancun, the real downtown, where smaller, better restaurants, local shops, and quieter bars are located.

25-minute drive to the airport

18-minute drive to downtown Cancun (Ciudad Cancun)

41-minute drive to snorkeling and quiet beaches in Puerto Morelos

1-hour drive to Playa del Carmen, a laid-back and bustling town with great shopping, and a well-heeled crowd

1-hour-45-minute drive to the Mayan ruins at Tulum

Bottom Line

There is nothing ordinary about the 260-room Le Blanc Spa Resort: Everything from the wine lists to your workout has been tailored to be top notch. It feels more South Beach chic than Cancun party, with a hip, gorgeous aesthetic throughout the entire pristine white property. The rooms are thoroughly modern and bright with minimalist decor and stunning ocean views (some with large Jacuzzi baths). But most of your time should be spent experiencing the top-of-the line spa, the chic restaurants (especially the stunningly designed Lumiere), and heavenly white-sand beach.